Muslims decide to open shops over Mosque land dispute till further action

Shyam Sood

Rajouri, Sept, 11: In the wake of a meeting with the District Administration and assurance of resolving the issue of disputed Mosque land amicably, the Islamic Welfare Organisation (IWO) and Anjuman Tajran (AT) have decided to keep open shops and commercial establishments till further action in this matter.
It is pertinent to mention here that there is a dispute over a piece of about 5 marla land bearing Khasra No. 693 Abadh Deh Rampur village (presently Rajouri town).
Muslims claim that it was a mosque, which was damaged reportedly during or before 1947.
They said that vide Secretary to Govt Auqaf Affairs Department notification issued on 21/10/1982 and in the published list of ‘Wakafs’ in Rajouri city the land in question appears at No.37 under the title Masjid Chowgan.
Recently Musims begins construction work on the Mosque, which was objected to by the ooposite community.
On the reports of naib Tehsildar and in-charge, Rajouri police post that the issue may cause law & order problem, the District Administration vide Tehsildar order No.JCR/224 on September 8 attached the disputed land under section 145CrPC and placed under the ‘spurdnama’ of SHO Rajouri till the case is decided by the competent court of law.
Against the attachment order under section 145 CrPC, the Muslims announced a protest after Friday payers, but the Administration imposed strict restrictions under section 144 CrPC and none was allowed to come out of the house.
On Saturday, the Muslims hold a protest rally and met with District Administration. On the other hand a delegation of Hindus community also met the District Administration.
The District Administration is yet to decide about the claims and counterclaims by both communities.
However, the Islamic Welfare Organisation & Anjuman Tajran in a press briefing decides to open the shops & commercial establishments for the time being.
“If the land od Masjid Chowgan not handed over for the construction of Mosque soon, the protest be carried forward after consulting with the people of the entire district” read press briefing.
They also appeal to maintain peace at any cost & defeat the nefarious design of those who are hell-bent to divide society on communal lines.